International Mountain Day

Whether we live at sea level or the highest elevation, mountains are essential to our health and well-being.
The UN General Assembly has designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as 'International Mountain Day' in recognition of the crucial role that mountains play in our lives.
This decision to celebrate mountains on a special day every year results from the tremendous success of the UN International Year of Mountains in 2002, which increased global awareness of the importance of mountains, stimulated the establishment of national committees in 78 countries, and strengthened alliances through the creation of theMountain Partnership.
FAO was the designated lead coordinating agency for International Year of Mountains and is mandated to lead observance of International Mountain Day.
The theme for the first ever International Mountain Day is'Mountains - Source of Freshwater'.
Each day, one of every two people drinks water that comes from mountains. Each day too, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, urban sprawl and global warming take their toll on mountain watersheds. What happens when the water stops flowing? By taking care of the world's mountains, we help to ensure the long-term survival of all that is connected to them, including ourselves.